Physical exercise and sports

Physical exercise ranges from daily recreation to fitness, competitive and top-level sports. Physical exercise makes you feel good and maintains health, working ability and general wellbeing.

Most sports and exercise activities are organised by clubs. Local authorities provide financial support for club activities as well as providing venues, the majority of which they own. They also offer a variety of facilities for people to take physical exercise independently.

National and regional sports and exercise bodies also organise local training, coaching and competitions and activities for children and young people. Sports training centres are venues where people can train to become a professional athlete or participate in short courses for fun.

The Finnish Olympic Committee supports and develops top-level sports in Finland by providing support for young, gifted athletes so they can reach the top. The Finnish Antidoping Agency is responsible for drugs control in Finland.

Top-level sport relies on the dedicated work of sports clubs. Local sports clubs are responsible for organising and supervising leisure-time sport and exercise for children and young people. National sports federations are responsible for the development and organisation of top-level sport in their own field.